Learn how impostor syndrome, avoidance & other cognitive biases trick you out of succeeding at making & selling your game. Learn how to spark your creativity & techniques to get past designer's block.
Urban adventures are fun & break the mold of old-school dungeon crawling, but they present new challenges for writers & GMs. Come learn a few insider tricks for managing this twisted genre.
Beyond 101: Evolving Discussions Of Women In Games
Summary:
We've been talking about women's experiences in gaming for years. Is it time to address more complicated questions like representation vs normalization, intersectionality, & other?
Description:
We've been talking about women's experiences in gaming for years, and many of the challenges women face are now widely known. What are the next steps? Is it time to address more complicated questions? Join us for a lively discussion of topics like representation versus normalization, intersectionality, and other topics that go beyond the basic.
What do you do in RPGs when you're not fighting? We'll talk about games that focus on what happens in between fights, or drop them all together. Come hear tips for play & find new games to try.
The US military uses games & simulations for everything from next-gen warfare to social interaction skills. Find out what it's like to develop games for them & the unique challenges.
Cooperative Storytelling: The World-Magic Of Games
Summary:
Every game, no matter how simple, has a shared narrative. Come discuss how to enhance the storytelling magic in your own games-whether you're a player, a gamemaster, or a designer.
What's the attraction to cosmic-nihilist seafood? Is there something to do with Cthulhu besides horror or humor? Can a card game express utter madness, or a boardgame terrify humanity?
The greatest stories we want to tell in games are usually not our own. How do we make sure these stories, especially when dealing with sensitive topics are handled appropriately & respectfully?
Game communities have grown beyond small game clubs, forums & IRCs. Social networking is the way players find people to play games with. Learn how to effectively build & manage an online community.
Are you a woman or an underrepresented minority who wants to make the leap from tabletop fan to freelancer? Learn tips and tricks from the pros about how to break into the industry!
From Edition Wars to gender gatekeeping, there are many forms of tribalism that affect designers, retailers, & players. We'll define & discuss ways to address tribalism to better our community.
Hands-on design in open source development! Learn to develop games in popular systems; focus on supporting designers from marginalized communities. All the skills needed to start hacking are taught.
Description:
This hands-on design workshop in open source development! Learn how to develop games in popular systems like Apocalypse World and Fate. This event has a special focus on supporting designers from marginalized communities (people of color, women, etc). No experience is needed and all the skills needed to start hacking will be taught during the workshop.
Learn how connected apps for analog games give designers tools previously reserved for video games! From remote updates for re-balancing, to using analysis of player actions to tell a dynamic story!
How can we go beyond the Femme Fatale in crafting female characters with a touch of villainy about them? We'll talk at length about cool women in RPGs who are neither good nor evil.
Learn the basics of improv comedy & how the principles can make for better role playing. Half discussion, half workshop, we’ll play some improv games to show you how!
Inclusive Gaming: How To Host & Create A Safe & Welcoming Space For All
Summary:
Learn about creating a fun, welcoming, supportive environment for all gamers at your table, & about how to build rich, inclusive stories that your players will remember for years to come.
Controversies over inclusivity & other issues have created a dangerous social media environment for gamers. Learn how to protect yourself online, help victims of harassment, & more.
Practical advice, key resources, tips for pitching to publishers. Learn how to make the most of your Kickstarter project & how to avoid common mistakes.